Controller job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Controller?
Controllers work for businesses to ensure that financial records are kept up to date and correct for future reference.
They collaborate with higher management to identify cost-cutting opportunities and obligations that must be paid off before the end of the year.
It is their responsibility to verify that their organization follows financial regulations.
They also examine financial accounts to gauge the financial health of their company and take appropriate action.
They may also be in charge of keeping track of payroll paperwork to guarantee that employees are paid the right amount each pay period.
The top Controller skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We're seeking a Controller to help us set accounting standards and handle all of our company's financial operations. Do you enjoy working in the financial sector? We're searching for a seasoned controller who will be accountable for the organization's financial management accuracy and timeliness. Accounting activities, the compilation of periodic financial reports, and the maintenance of accounting records will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
If this sounds like something you would like to experience, join our thriving company and enrich your working experience by being a part of our motivated team. You will have an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the company’s goals and enjoy our company culture. So, don’t wait! Apply Today!
Duties and responsibilities
- Developing internal control standards, rules, and procedures for budget accounting, cash and credit management, administration, and other tasks.
- Coordinating and directing budgeting, procurement, investment activities, and financial planning.
- Ensuring that state and federal regulatory obligations, as well as professional standards, are met.
- Working with the accounting department to establish and manage financial controls.
- Preparing and presenting financial reports and risk analyses.
- Completing budgeting and forecasting.
- Establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures to guide financial choices.
- Supporting management, especially in terms of commercial and financial problems.
- Preparing financial reports to help senior management gain insights into the company's financial performance.
- Being in charge of the general ledger of the firm.
Requirements
- Work experience in accounting or a related subject is required.
- Knowledge of the appropriate laws and regulations.
- Economic principles, financial markets, and banking are all concepts that must be grasped.
- Financial data analysis and reporting are well-understood.
- Payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions are all functions that you should be familiar with.
- Strong organizational and prioritization abilities, as well as the ability to provide high-quality work under short deadlines.
- Proven financial project management experience.
- Advanced computer abilities, particularly in the area of Excel.
- Must be able to translate financial data into understandable business language for individuals at all levels.
- Understanding of federal tax and reporting regulations.
- Extensive finance knowledge.
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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
This employment requires a bachelor's degree in economics, business administration, accounting, or finance as a minimum educational prerequisite.
Some controllers have a master's degree in a relevant discipline, which allows them to hone their analytical abilities even further.
Certified Public Accountant
Demonstrates expertise in accounting principles and practices.
AICPACertified Management Accountant
Indicates proficiency in financial management and strategic management.
IMACertified Internal Auditor
Validates skills in internal auditing and risk management.
IIASample interview questions for a Controller.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Which aspects of being a controller do you find the most enjoyable, and why?
- What do you think the most important talents and abilities are for working as a controller in the financial sector?
- How would you best describe your talents as a controller, and why do you believe these qualities make you the greatest fit for this position?
- What should you do if you have a challenging coworker that isn't contributing to the team's productivity?
- Describe an instance when you learned a new financial methodology or strategy and put it into practice.
- Describe the most difficult or hard financial project you've worked on.
- When it comes to auditing financial records, how do you go about it?
- What process do you follow when you get personal financial information and want to keep it private?
- What accounting and financial reporting software do you have experience with?
- Describe an instance when you learned a new financial methodology or strategy and put it into practice.
- Describe the most difficult or hard financial project you've worked on.
- What's your approach to explaining and clarifying a complicated financial report to someone who doesn't comprehend it?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $21 at the 10th percentile to $62 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Comptroller
Corporate Controller
Director of Accounting
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between a Finance Director and a Controller?
Controllers and finance directors work at the same level in a company, and the two positions are occasionally used interchangeably.
There are a few methods to tell the difference between a Controller and a Finance Director, though.
Controllers, for example, are usually responsible for financial reporting and correct documentation of financial data such as payroll, tax forms, balance sheets, and income statements.
Finance Directors, on the other hand, are focused on formulating long-term financial strategies based on the company's existing financial situation.
It's worth noting that controllers and finance directors both give financial information and serve as members of high management, overseeing the finance and accounting teams at lower levels.
What are the responsibilities of a Controller on a daily basis?
A Controller's usual day begins with checking their email and voicemail in order to reply to time-sensitive messages from the CFO and Accounting or Finance Managers.
They evaluate current financial data such as balance sheets, tax forms, income statements, accounts receivable, and payable to contribute to financial reports throughout the day.
Controllers also attend meetings with the Accounting and Finance teams to discuss the implementation of new financial accounting standards.
They're also in charge of organizing and storing financial documents for further inspection.
What characteristics distinguish an excellent Controller?
A competent controller has substantial experience as an accountant, financial planner, finance manager, or accounting manager in the finance field.
Their expertise in these positions enables them to efficiently manage a corporation's financial reporting and accounting activities.
To transmit information between lower-level firm employees and upper-level management authorities, they must have great verbal and writing communication skills.
Controllers should also have an ethical perspective that drives them to examine financial documentation and point out fraud.
To whom does a Controller answer?
A Controller often reports to a corporation's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to explain financial reporting requirements or budgeting constraints.
Controllers are often given information by Chief Financial Officers to communicate to lower levels of management.
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